Music Institute of Long Island

ABOUT US

Established in 1990, the Music Institute of Long Island (MILI) is a classical music school staffed by exceptional instructors from many of the most prestigious conservatories and graduate music schools in the United States and Europe. Its instrumental programs include classes in the violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, piano, jazz piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, voice and improvisation lessons. We teach Traditional and Suzuki Method instrumental lessons at all levels (beginners to advanced) and of all ages (3 through adult), voice lessons are offered for children 10 years and up all are welcome to study at the school. NEW this year is Adventures in Musical Theatre for age's 6- 10 years old.

MILI students learn through the Traditional method as well as Suzuki method, which include a private lesson and a group lesson or take a traditional course of study, which consists of a private lesson. MILI also offers music theory programs for children and adults, chamber ensembles, semi-annual student recitals, and musical programs for community organizations. Our performance venues have included Steinway Hall, Weill Recital Hall (Carnegie Hall), The Performing Arts Center at 5 Towns College and The Jeanne Rimsky Theater. You may have seen us performing live on the Channel 4 News and News Channel 12. MILI students consistently excel (often achieving high A's and outstanding grades) at NYSSMA, Long Island String Festival Association programs, and other school and/or music association competitions. MILI is extremely proud of its students who are invited to participate in master classes sponsored by the Long Island Philharmonic other professional orchestras and have won 1st place prizes at various music competitions who performed at Carnegie and Weill Recital Halls.

In addition to instrumental music education, MILI offers a series of fun music appreciation programs through Kindermusik. Students 18 months through age four are grouped into age-appropriate levels and participate in thematic activities that include music, movement and an introduction to simple instruments. Children of ages 4 to 7 study music theory fundamentals and learn basic instruments, such as the glockenspiel and recorder, in MILI's Music for the Young Child courses, which are conducted using the Kindermusik methodology.

MILI was founded and is directed by Geri Kushner and Carol Kushner, professional violinists and certified music educators with advanced degrees who have performed in orchestras and ensembles worldwide. The two sisters believe that every child can learn music. They are committed to providing a nurturing and enriched atmosphere that encourages even the most hesitant of students to develop musical abilities as part of a well-rounded education.

The Music Institute of Long Island is headquartered at the Community Reformed Church on 90 Plandome Road in Manhasset. For further information, call us at 516-627-7052.

DIRECTORS

When Carol Kushner and Geri Kushner first started teaching violin and viola in their parents' home, it was expected that both student and parent would remain after the lesson to share coffee, cake and conversation with the Kushner household. It didn't take too long before everyone realized that larger quarters were needed. Thus, in September of 1990, the Music Institute of Long Island (MILI) was born. Headquartered in Manhasset, the sisters and their faculty have used their teaching skills, musicianship, and knowledge to enhance the lives of hundreds of youngsters and their families.

The Kushners are passionate about children, music, and staying connected. At holiday times, it is not unusual for former students and even their families to stop in and say hello. What is unusual perhaps is that some of these visitors now reside in Asia, Europe and Latin America. If they could, the Kushners would teach the whole world to play instruments.

CAROL KUSHNER (violin)

Carol received her Bachelor of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music and her Master of Music degree in Performance from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College of the City University of New York, where she completed its Teacher Certification program and served as an adjunct lecturer. Carol holds New York State Teacher (music) certifications for grades K-12. She received her Suzuki Certificate from the School for Strings, and also is a licensed Kindermusik® educator. Carol studied with Raphael Bronstein, Ivan Galamian, and Sally Thomas at the Juilliard School, and participated in Master classes given by Nathan Milstein in Switzerland, Yfrah Neaman in England, and Yehudi Menuhin in New York City. Prior to co-founding the Music Institute of Long Island, Carol served on the faculty of the Yuriko Kuronuma Academia in Mexico, Queensborough Community College of the City University of New York, and the Dalton School in Manhattan.

Carol is affiliated with the Long Island Philharmonic, the Queens Symphony, and the St. Cecilia Orchestra. She has been heard on WQXR radio; appeared on NBC and CBS television; given recitals in Mexico, England and Germany; toured the United States as well as Japan; and has been a soloist with orchestras in New York City and Mexico. Presently, Carol is also a Professor of violin studies at Five Towns College in Dix Hills.

GERI KUSHNER (violin and viola)

Geri received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College of the City University of New York and a Master of Music degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where she was a teaching assistant. Geri holds both New York State and New York City Teacher certifications for grades K-12. She received her Suzuki Certificate from the School for Strings and also is a licensed Kindermusik® educator. She studied with Raphael Bronstein, Ariana Bronne, Burton Kaplan, Sally Thomas, and Yfrah Neaman.

Prior to co-founding the Music Institute of Long Island, Geri served in the pre-college division of the Aaron Copland School of Music, directed the summer music program at Hofstra University, and was on the staff at the Dalton School in Manhattan. She is an active performer with the Queens Symphony, the Masterworks Orchestra, and the Westfield (NJ) Symphony, and has performed throughout the metropolitan New York area, England, and Mexico. Geri also has toured Japan with the New York Symphonic Ensemble.